Human Nature and the Path of Least Resistance; or Why So Many People Are Democrats

Both Romney and Rush have this week discussed human nature and its effects on human freedom.

I too have thought about this, and here it is:  The Stogie Theory of Human Nature

Human beings have a tendency to take the path of least resistance, to do what is easiest in the short run, to indulge now and let tomorrow take care of itself.  Consider:

1.  You're fat as hell and know you should go on a diet.  You encounter a banana cream pie in the fridge and the wife's out of town.  You have two choices:  (A) ignore the pie and keep trying to lose weight, which is hard and painful and awful, or (B) say to hell with it and pig out, which is delightful, fun and thoroughly enjoyable.  Scratch one pie.

Approximately 8 of 10 humans will take the path of least resistance, which is choice B.  They're known as "fat slobs."

2.  You have health problems and your doctor prescribes an exercise regimen.  You can do one of two things:  (A) Get up 5 AM, put on your jogging suit, and run a mile before getting ready for work, but that is clearly not fun, the bed is so warm and comfortable, and what do doctors know anyway? Or, (B) Say to hell with it, pull the covers over your head and go back to sleep.

Around 7 of 10 people will choose Option B. They're known as "victims of heart attack."

3.  You're an alcoholic and know you should "go on the wagon," but man, you really need that martini or three after work.  For stress and all that.  You can do two things:  (A) Join Alcoholics Anonymous, admit you have a problem, hide your shaking hands, and walk the painful path to recovery, or (B) Highjack a Jim Beam truck and swallow the evidence before the cops arrive.

Around 8 out of 10 problem drinkers will choose option B.  They're known as "drunks."

4.  You would like more money, benefits and goodies, and there are three ways you can get them:
(A)  Take night courses to improve your job skills, work longer hours, and delay gratification until you can find a better job; but that's difficult and painful and no fun at all (B) Rob a liquor store, but you might get killed in the process or sent to prison if caught; (C) Vote for "progressive" politicians, who will steal the money, benefits and goodies from more productive citizens and give them to you; and you won't feel guilty because the "progressive" politicians will also supply the rationale for why this is just and "fair."  (Heck, if the politicians do it, then it's not theft at all.)

Approximately 5 out of 10 Americans will choose option C.  They're known as "Democrats."

Summary:  Human nature is to always take the easy way out, to live for the moment and let tomorrow take care of itself.  When offered two or more choices, people will invariably choose the one that is easiest, cheapest, or has the most calories -- and in politics, many if not most will generally vote for the guy who promises the most "free" stuff.